From now until the 2023 NFL Draft, we will scout and create profiles for as many prospects as possible, examining their strengths, weaknesses, and what they can bring to an NFL franchise. These players could be potential top-10 picks, all the way down to Day 3 selections, and priority undrafted free agents. Today we’ll be profiling Clemson Offensive Lineman Jordan McFadden.
#71 JORDAN MCFADDEN, OL, CLEMSON (5SR.) 6022, 303 LBS.
Combine invite
MEASURABLES
| Player | Ht/Wt | Hand size | Arm Length | Wingspan |
| Jordan McFadden | 6022 / 303 | 9 1/2″ | 34″ | 81 3/8″ |
| 40 Yard Dash | 10 Yard Dash | Short Shuttle | 3-Cone | |
| 4.99 | 1.74 | 4.81 | 7.70 | |
| Broad Jump | Vertical | Bench Press | ||
| N/A | 28 1/2″ | 24 |
THE GOOD
— Nice foot speed to cover ground well in his pass sets
— Uses natural leverage to his advantage, taking away from defenders’ base momentum
— High motor and routinely fights to win in blocks
— Capable move blocker who gets into the second level with efficiency and positioning
— Works through blocks, progressing to next defender as needed
— Stays consistently squared in pass sets
— Versatility to play both tackle spots and work inside at guard
— 39 games of experience, including time spent as a starter at both tackle positions
THE BAD
— Undersized at 6’2, 303-pounds
— Can have issues sustaining blocks, allowing defenders to get back into rushing lanes and stop the run
— Body control issues impact on-block consistency and lets defenders take advantage to get to the football
— Balance issues pop up when trying to work out of his frame as a blocker
— Anchor runs hot and cold, better-technique defenders can get him in trouble
— Play strength is lacking, struggles to overwhelm anyone
BIO
— Born November 16th, 1999 (23 years old)
— 3-star recruit out of Roebuck, South Carolina, ranked 819th nationally by 247sports
— 39 career starts
— Named 2022 first-team All-ACC
— Earned 2022 Jacobs Blocking Trophy, awarded to top offensive lineman in the ACC
— Recorded third-most snaps of any offensive lineman in Clemson football history
— Earned degree in Sociology in May of 2022, three-time ACC Honor Roll selection
TAPE BREAKDOWN
Our first play of the breakdown comes against Georgia Tech, and it provides a closer look at Jordan McFadden’s ability as a pulling blocker. He does a nice job with his cut, then takes to the open field and lays out a nice block that, if fellow draft prospect Charlie Thomas hadn’t gotten to the football on time, could’ve resulted in a big run.
CONCLUSION
McFadden has some flash moments with his quickness and footwork to stay squared up. There will be concerns about his size and play strength in order to be a dependable blocker at the next level. McFadden should look to Arizona Cardinals OT and former Steeler Kelvin Beachum for inspiration on how to make it work in the league. If things go well, that’s a good career path to follow.
For the Steelers, McFadden would have his best chance at tackle. The Steelers, however, seem to prefer bigger options on the outside, and they will likely address their need at the position earlier than where McFadden is expected to be picked. If the Steelers like his film and the board falls to where they think McFadden makes the most sense with one of their later picks, he could be a good depth add to the offensive line.
Projection: 4th/5th Round
Depot Draft Grade: 7.6 – Potential Starter/Good Backup (3rd Round)
Games Watched: vs Georgia Tech (2022), vs North Carolina State (2022), at Florida State (2022), vs Syracuse (2022), vs UNC (2022)
